“Having lost my closest friend, Aoifa, to suicide when I was 17 years old at a time when I understood very little about mental health, means I am acutely aware about the importance of prevention. Hector’s House is not only doing incredible work in helping to remove the stigma of mental health issues but also identifying some of the key symptoms of suicidal behaviour. I only wish I’d had access to this information all those years ago when my beautiful friend decided to end her life. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but not a week goes by when I don’t think about Aoifa or how I might have better helped her through the dark times she was experiencing. Hopefully the openness Hector’s House promotes will now ensure that those going through the same thing will feel more able to ask for help.”